Rotorua, Motu trails awarded Cycle Trail funding

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The Rotorua Lakes Council (formerly Rotorua District Council) has been awarded $14,800 in government funding to help maintain the New Zealand Cycle Trail.

The Motu Trails Charitable Trust in the Bay of Plenty has also received $15,000 for its trail in Opotiki.

Prime Minister and Minister of Tourism John Key today announced the Government is investing nearly $1 million in 13 projects to help maintain the quality of the New Zealand Cycle Trail.

Mr Key said $970,000 would go towards maintaining and enhancing cycle trails from Northland to Southland to ensure they continued to generate economic benefit to regional communities.

"The New Zealand Cycle Trail attracts high-value visitors and helps New Zealand stay on the international map as a top tourist destination.

"A recent report showed the trails are going from strength to strength. Last summer the New Zealand Cycle Trail experienced a 56 per cent average growth rate, with an estimated 97,000 trail users for the month of January 2014 alone."

The Government is investing $8 million over four years to maintain the quality of the New Zealand Cycle Trail network.

"This contestable funding will assist with maintaining the quality of the trails should they experience significant weather damage or need major changes," Mr Key said.

The Motu funding will go towards the enhancement of a section of flat riding and walking trail in Opotiki.

The 4km of existing trail along the Otara River stopbank between Te Rere Pa Rd and Memorial Park will be upgraded, with cycle-friendly squeeze gates, sections of improved surfacing, and much more visible signage.

"We're aiming to get more cyclists using the trail instead of the road, whether they're coming back from riding the Pakihi Track or riding locally," said Motu Trails executive officer Jim Robinson.

"As well as being safer, it's a lovely ride. By addressing a few key issues, we'll be offering a neat new trail option. At the moment, not a lot of people are using it."

The funding is designed to support the managers of the 23 New Zealand Cycle Trail Great Rides to address safety and maintenance issues.

"One of the best things in this case is that the Otara River section of trail is really family-friendly. It will be a great way to extend a ride on the Dunes Trail, without adding any hills," said Mr Robinson.

The government funding will be supplemented through the Opotiki District Council annual maintenance budget that was set up upon completion of the Motu Trails.

The 13 projects to receive funding in this first funding round are:

• Motu Trails Charitable Trust (Bay of Plenty) $15,000
• Queenstown Trails Trust (Otago) $38,400
• Queenstown Trails Trust (Otago) $175,200
• Waikato River Trails Charitable Trust (Waikato) $47,500
• Nelson City Council (Nelson) $21,000
• Rotorua District Council (Bay of Plenty) $14,800
• Wanganui District Council (Manawatu/Wanganui) $130,000
• Tasman District Council (Tasman) $212,500
• Destination Wairarapa (Wellington) $12,000
• Destination Wairarapa (Wellington) $35,000
• Far North District Council (Northland) $76,000
• Otago Central Rail Trust (Otago) $12,500
• Otago Central Rail Trust (Otago) $ 177,500

The next funding round will be in February 2015.

More information is available at: http://www.med.govt.nz/sectors-industries/tourism/nga-haerenga-new-zealand-cycle-trail.